Kids visit Santa in Backus

A Power Ranger, Hatchimals prize eggs, a pet bird in a cage, trucks, musical instruments and an Xbox 360 game were just a few of items children asked Santa to deliver as they visited St. Nick at the annual Backus American Legion Auxiliary Kids' Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec. 16.

Imaginations were engaged in full gear and the excitement was too much for one little girl who covered her eyes when Santa, assisted by Mrs. Claus and his chief elf, asked for her wish list.

"Oh my," she said. "I can't remember."

Some 60 children accompanied by adults attended the party sponsored by the Auxiliary, the Legion Post and the Backus Dollar General Store, which added to the gifts the Legion units provided for the party by donating coloring books, crayons and puzzles. The children each received four toys, a goodie bag, a craft elf, a necklace with sleigh bells and a complimentary lunch.

Auxiliary volunteers at the party appeared to have as much fun as the children, and, as Mrs. Claus said when she, Santa and the head elf were ready to board their sleigh and leave, "Merry Christmas. Enjoy it, because it's a special time for children."

1/5: Submitted Photo Miriah Leger, 7, of Backus, asks Santa for a pet bird with a cage.

2/5: Submitted Photo Kyler Dabill, 5, of Backus, signals his age and asks Santa Claus to include a Power Ranger in his sleigh for Christmas.

3/5: Submitted Photo Nicolas Schultz, 9 months, of Backus, his accompanying adults reported, would be happy “with anything he can chew on.”

4/5: Submitted Photo Santa Claus at the Backus Legion Auxiliary Kids’ Party with Mrs. Claus and his head elf.

5/5: Submitted Photo An Xbox 360 game would be just fine under his Christmas tree, said Blayden Romanoff, 8, of Backus.